Posted on 02/14/2008 2:09:16 PM PST by Squidpup
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Evangelist Billy Graham was recovering Thursday from a surgery to update a shunt that controls excess fluid in his brain, a family spokesman said.
The 89-year-old Southern Baptist minister was expected to spend some of the day walking the halls of Asheville's Mission Hospital and to return to his usual diet later Thursday, said Graham spokesman Larry Ross.
"He rested well overnight and is in high spirits," Ross said.
White House spokeswoman Jeanie Mamo said President Bush placed a call to Graham on Thursday morning.
"He wished Rev. Graham a speedy recovery and said that he'd keep him in his prayers," Mamo said.
Graham underwent the elective surgery Wednesday to replace a shunt first installed in 2000. The shunt drains fluid from his brain through a small tube that runs down his head and neck and into the abdominal cavity, where the fluid is absorbed by his body.
Doctors determined the old shunt was not adequately controlling the brain fluid. A buildup of fluid, known as hydrocephalus, can cause symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease.
Graham has also suffered from prostate cancer and macular degeneration. He was hospitalized last year for nearly two weeks after experiencing intestinal bleeding.
Those conditions, combined with his age, have left Graham mostly confined to his mountainside home in Montreat for the past several years.
The charismatic minister once led a worldwide crusade-based ministry that packed stadiums with believers and put him on the pulpit in front of millions. He also gained the confidence of every U.S. president since Harry Truman.
Graham's wife, Ruth Bell Graham, died in June following a lengthy illness.
On the Net: http://www.billygraham.org
God bless Billy and keep him well until He decides to call him home.
God bless
I hope he gets better soon. That way if Hillary gets into any moral trouble he can hold some sort of service to defend her.
Not sure if Rev. Graham can survive another Clinton inauguration.
What is THAT supposed to imply?
The Graces of God continue to be poured out upon you sir.
My mother had a shunt and it worked perfectly for many years.
God bless Rev. Graham, I’ll remember him in my prayers.
Wishing Rev. Graham the best.
Wow, that’s pretty snotty. Did someone pee on your Cheerios this morning?
Go Billy.
What do Billy Graham and Bill Bellichek have in commom?
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They both can make 75,000 people jump up and shout “JESUS CHRIST!”
God bless and keep His servant Billy Graham.
May Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior Heal Billy Graham.
Now, now, you should not speak ill of poor old Billy. He has been entertaining now for decades. And I’m certain he does not bear me anywhere as much malice as the average baptist preacher does.
I didn't sir. Perhaps your reading and comprehension skills are a bit off.
Billy Graham does not bear you malice, nor do I.
There you go again misunderstanding the LDS and putting your spin on it and on a thread when a the sick needs get well prayers.
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